Description

Contents

* Induction course - held over two weeks in September. The induction course lasts for two weeks and operates on the same pattern as the main course - i.e. on Monday afternoon, all day Tuesday and all day Wednesday. Its aim is to provide a general overview of the programme and to equip students for their introduction to teaching in the classroom. There is an emphasis on classroom teaching methods and `survival skills´. Specific pedagogy courses begin during the induction course when students will be able to meet their pedagogy coordinators and some of the TP supervisors.
* College-based course - consisting of: [a] lecture courses on the disciplines of education; [b] courses in specific methods/pedagogies.
* Lecture courses are given in all the disciplines relevant to the study of education. The Department currently offers courses in the following areas:

* Educational Philosophy and Theory;
* Applied Psychology in Education;
* History of Education;
* Special Education;
* Sociologies of Education;
* Introduction to Assessment & Examinations in Post-Primary Education.

A course in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and elective courses in some or all of the following will also be available:

* Civic, Social and Political Education;
* Drama in Education;
* Development Education;
* Depth psychology for teachers
* The authentic classroom and the hidden curriculum.

Courses in pedagogy of teaching subjects are offered in the following school subjects:

* Business Studies (including Accounting and Economics);
* English;
* Geography;
* History (including Classical Studies);
* Irish;
* Mathematics (including Applied Mathematics);
* Modern Languages (including French, German, Italian, Spanish and Other Languages);
* Music;
* Religious Education;
* Science (including Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

The purpose of the courses in pedagogy is to introduce students to the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching as a subject. Teaching in each subject is shared by a team of full-time members of the School and part-time staff, some of whom are also practising teachers, and one of whom will coordinate each subject.

Each pedagogy team aims, in its own way, to develop in students:

* [a] the ability to reflect on and evaluate their own practice;
* [b] a working knowledge of relevant research into pupils´ learning and an appreciation of the importance of pupils being actively engaged in their own learning;
* [c] an appreciation of the importance of developing positive relationships with pupils, based on principles of equity and inclusiveness;
* [d] a rigorous approach to planning, combined with the ability to make considered choices from a range of teaching methods and resources;
* [e] a knowledge of the content of their subject[s] as required for the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examination syllabi.

Students must choose two pedagogy subjects. The first or major subject should be whatever was indicated on your application form: the subject that you intend to teach full-time when your studies are complete. You will have been interviewed by the panel for this subject. The second (minor) subject should be chosen from a range of possible subjects that do not clash with your major on the timetable. The minor pedagogy course will not be assessed and you will not be supervised if you teach that subject. Science and Modern Languages count as double pedagogy subjects. Majors in these subjects do not have to choose a minor pedagogy programme. However, students taking either of these subjects as MINOR must also have a major.

Requirements

The Teaching Council (TC) is the body that registers teachers for second-level schools in the Republic of Ireland.

For registration, the TC requires that the following are held:

[1] a primary degree that includes, as a substantial component, at least one subject from the list of those taught at Leaving Certificate level and

[2] the Postgraduate Diploma in Education. In certain instances individual application must be made to the TC in order to confirm that a degree is recognised for these purposes. This is especially the case for all degrees awarded by universities outside the Republic of Ireland. It is also the case for some degrees awarded within the RoI.

While we will make every effort to let you know at the time of your application if we think there may be a problem with your qualification(s) the fact that you have been accepted onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Education course does NOT mean your degree will be recognised for teaching purposes by the TC. You should also be aware of the fact that the process of seeking recognition from the TC can take some time and may be complicated.

English language requirements: * IELTS: Grade 6.5
* TOEFL: 230-computer based, 570 paper based
* Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: Grade C
* Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Grade C

English Language Requirements